McDowellEms.com

EMS Reserve Program
February 25, 2010

McDowell County EMS is pleased to announce the creation of an EMS Reserve Program. Approved in February of 2010 by the McDowell County Board of Commissioners the program aims to provide EMT-Basics who are currently enrolled in paramedic school the opportunity to volunteer for the agency while gaining hands on experience. Prospective candidates must complete an employment application available on line under the employment link. Reserve members are required to complete drug testing as well as criminal background check. EMS Director William Kehler states "the reserve program allows our agency to further enhance the educational opportunities available to EMS students." Further information on this program is available at the link below.
McDowell EMS Reserve Program Guidelines

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McDowell EMS Participates in CHAMP Program
Aimed at Reducing Falls Among Elderly Population
October 15, 2009

Each year patients within our community experience falls that severely impact their quality of life and often change their way of life forever. Working in the community for years, McDowell County EMS has been conducting fall prevention programs with the elderly. The agency is pleased to participate in a new program called Community Health and Mobility Partnership. (CHAMP) CHAMP is designed to improve balance and mobility as well as prevent falls in older adults and people with disabilities. The CHAMP program is led by the University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill. The program is designed to conduct screening sessions with patients to test their mobility skills, their confidence in ambulating, screen for high risk medications, as well as screen them for high blood pressure and orthostatic hypotension. At the screening sites multiple inter-disciplinary teams are present including physical therapists, nurses, paramedics, social workers, and others who work with each patient to educate them on falls and address individual needs. The two year program which was funded by the Baxter International Foundation and also supported by McDowell County Government has one main goal, reducing falls among the elderly population in McDowell County. EMS Director William Kehler states "The CHAMP program is a great illustration of multiple agencies working together on one common goal. One of the highest call groups in our agency is falls. The long term effects of a fall is very serious include financial burdens and a decrease in quality of life. By working together we aim at reducing the number of injuries and incidents. Prevention is the key to reducing injury and illness rates. CHAMP accomplishes this goal of preventing the fall with injury through prevention and education." For more information and CHAMP or to schedule a screening session please contact the McDowell Senior Center at 652-8953.

CHAMP Partners
Appalachian State University - School of Nursing
Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute
Elon University - Dept. of Physical Therapy Education
McDowell County EMS
McDowell County Dept. of Social Services
McDowell Hospital
McDowell Senior Center
McDowell Technical Community College
UNC Chapel Hill - Division of Physical Therapy
-- School of Nursing
Western Carolina University
-- Dept. of Physical Therapy


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PRESS RELEASE

McDowell County Emergency Medical Service

October 2, 2009

McDowell County EMS recently completed Operation Save-A-Child an eight week campaign aimed at improving child passenger seat safety. During the operation 82 child safety seats were inspected. 80% were found to be installed improperly. McDowell EMS properly installed 29 new car seats free of charge in vehicles found to have seats that were damaged, recalled, or had no safety seats at all. EMS Director William Kehler states "Operation Save-A-Child represents our agency's commitment to preventing injuries and illness within our community. As a result of this operation, 82 children are now riding in child safety seats that are installed properly and meet national safety standards." Marion Police Department, WNC Safe Kids, and Mission Hospitals assisted with the events. "We would like to thank all the businesses and government facilities who allowed our agency to utilize their space and we look forward to conducting this event in the future" McDowell County Paramedics will continue to perform car seat inspections free of charge to the public at the Marion EMS Station on South Garden Street during normal office hours. Information on future events will be announced and will also be posted on the agency's website at www.mcdowellems.com

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Operation Save A Child

McDowell County EMS will launch its annual campaign titled "Operation Save-A-Child" starting August 12th. This campaign is aimed at reducing the number of child safety seats that are improperly installed in vehicles. The free inspections will be held at four different sites throughout the three week period. State certified inspectors will perform the inspection at no charge to the public. During this time they will ensure that the child safety seat does not have any current recalls as well as inspect the seat for any visible defects. McDowell County EMS Director William Kehler states "Our agency feels that prevention and education is very important. Making sure that our infants and children are riding in car seats that are properly secure is a high priority for McDowell County Paramedics." The inspection stations will be held at the following locations during the three week period.

August 12th Old Fort Town Hall 5pm-8pm
August 15th Peebles 8am-12pm
August 21st Peebles 5pm-8pm
Sept. 2nd Head Start (Sugar Hill Rd) 2pm-6pm

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McDowell EMS Receives State Grant

McDowell County EMS is pleased to announce that the NC Dept. of Insurance / Office of State Fire Marshall and the NC Governor's Highway Safety Program has designated McDowell County EMS a "Permanent Checking Station" for Child Passenger Seat Safety. McDowell EMS was awarded $500.00 in grant money to purchase signage and additional supplies to conduct free child safety seat inspections. McDowell EMS is the only checking station in McDowell County. In 2008 McDowell County Paramedics inspected nearly 300 cars seats for proper installation and safety. Each year the agency conducts Operation-Save-A-Child, a three week campaign aimed at reducing the number of improperly installed seats and free replacement of damaged or recall child safety seats. EMS Director William Kehler states "we are very excited for our agency to be designated and recognized as a NC Safe Kids Permanent Checking Station." This will make the free inspections more accessible to the public and enhance our ability to inspect more seats. Kehler explains that the car seat technicians come into contact with a number of very unfortunate situations. "There have been many times our employees have installed free car seats to needy families whose infants and children were without any type of restraint when they came into our station. Our employees take great pride in seeing infants and children leave safe and secure with a properly installed child safety seat." Anyone interested in having a car seat inspected may call the Marion EMS Business Office at 652-3982 or stop by the EMS Office located on South Garden Street in Marion.


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McDowell County
Emergency Medical Service

June 25, 2009

New 2009 Ford F-450 Ambulance

McDowell County EMS is pleased to announce the addition of a new 2009 Ford F-450 Super Duty 4X4 ambulance to its fleet of vehicles. The ambulance was built by American Emergency Vehicles in Jefferson, North Carolina. The McDowell County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of the vehicle during the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

The new ambulance will be the fourth four wheel drive ambulance that McDowell EMS operates. McDowell County EMS Director William Kehler states "This unit will serve the citizens of McDowell County very well." "Adding an additional four wheel drive ambulance to our fleet will allow us greater access into areas that has rough terrain, as well as improve our response capability in hazardous weather." Kehler states that while hazardous weather has been somewhat minimal in years past paramedics are often faced with private drives that are extremely difficult to navigate due to washouts and lack of road maintenance which requires usage of the four wheel drive unit.



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McDowell County EMS Awarded $15,000 in Grant Funding

June 5, 2009

McDowell County EMS is pleased to announce the agency has received three separate grants totaling more than $15,000. The three grants were awarded through the North Carolina Office of EMS and the United States Department of Health and Human Services ASPR Division. According to EMS Director William Kehler the grant funding was specifically allocated for purchase of disaster preparedness medical equipment and supplies. McDowell County EMS maintains one of 29 State Medical Assistance Teams which is a special operation team tasked with responding to disasters in North Carolina as well as the United States. Locally Kehler states the team is used in a variety of capacities including responding to major incidents to provide emergency responder rehab, providing care at mass casualty events, and specializing in emergency decontamination of responders and patients at Haz-Mat scenes. "The SMAT Team is part of the Special Operations Division of McDowell EMS which trains intensively for disaster management and haz-mat events." A large amount of equipment including communication radios, oxygen pulse oxes, a medical device that screens a patient's blood for carbon monoxide, an Automatic External Defibrillator, as well as other medical items used in disaster management was purchased with these grants. Kehler states that the agency's ability to rapidly respond to disasters with the most start of the art equipment and adequate supplies is significantly enhanced through these grant opportunities.




Pictured from left to right: William Kehler, EMS Director
Major Eugene Edwards, Operations Officer
Lt. John Bruner, SMAT Coordinator
Captain Craig Walker, EMS Supervisor



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EMS Participates in Regional Emergency Drill
McDowell County EMS participated in a Regional Emergency Exercise on April 25, 2009 testing the agency's ability to perform mass decon on patients injured at a mass casualty incident. The regional drill was hosted by Haywood County Emergency Services and Haywood Regional Hospital. The scenario centered around a tunnel collapse due to an earthquake on I-40 near the Tennessee State Line. Mass number of patients were injured with a large number requiring treatment at other county hospitals. The drill in McDowell County took place on the campus of McDowell Hospital. McDowell County State Medical Assistance Team which serves as a special operations team for McDowell EMS was responsible for decon and triage of the patients arriving for treatment. McDowell EMS participates each year in two emergency drills training employees in disaster management.



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Press Release from North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

North Carolina Public Health Officials Watch and Prepare for Swine Flu

RALEIGH - Public health leaders in North Carolina, along with those in other states across the country, are watching Swine Influenza infection cases in several states and are getting ready in case the disease spreads further. No cases of Swine Flu have been confirmed in North Carolina as yet, but state public health officials are asking North Carolina residents to follow the same health precautions they take during any flu season. They are also working with health care providers, day cares and schools, laboratories, institutions and others to ensure they have the latest information on prevention, disease control, diagnosis and treatment.

"We want North Carolinians to know that we are actively participating in CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) efforts to detect the disease and are coordinating with doctors and health providers across the state," State Health Director Jeff Engel said.

"As with all flu events, people should cover their mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing, avoid close contact with people who are sick and wash their hands often. People should also stay home from school and work when they are ill so they do not spread disease to others," he said.

People who have recently traveled to southern California, Texas or Mexico and develop flu-like symptoms should contact their health provider and inform them of their travel to those areas.

As of today (Monday), CDC has confirmed 40 cases of swine influenza infection in humans in five states: California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio and New York. Only one of the patients identified was reported to have been hospitalized; there have been no deaths from flu reported in the U.S.

North Carolina public health officials began coordinating with regional responders and local health departments on Friday, to ensure information and updates are communicated to local health providers. All providers are being asked to question patients who report having influenza-like illness about any recent travel. State health providers participating in the national Influenza Sentinel Provider Network are also being asked to submit viral cultures from all patients presenting symptoms of influenza-like illness.
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu virus can be transmitted from pigs to humans through contact with live pigs, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented.
For more information about protecting yourself and your family from flu, see www.ncdhhs.gov. For more about influenza prevention efforts in North Carolina, see www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/gcdc/flu.html. For additional health information and more about swine flu in the U.S., see www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCDOWELL EMS LAUNCHES EMERGENCY MEDICAL EXPLORER PROGRAM TO HELP YOUTH BEGIN MEDICAL CAREERS

March 19, 2009 McDowell County Emergency Medical Services will launch a new program designed to assist youth in entering careers in medicine.

The Emergency Medical Explorers program will allow local youth to learn about and gain experience in emergency medicine setting a foundation for future entry into numerous career options. Participants will pursue a curriculum, designed to prepare them for jobs as EMT-Paramedics as well as other medical professions. EMS Director William Kehler states "the medical explorer post is another addition to our community outreach program. Our intent with the students is to conduct structured activities that allow each participant to gain knowledge about medical careers. Through this program we will seek to teach the explorer important skills such as team building, public speaking, problem solving skills, leadership skills, and general work ethics." The agency hopes that once the explorers graduate from high school they will have gained information that allows them insight to potential careers and job opportunities. Kehler states "we see this as an opportunity for our staff to make a difference in the lives of children here in McDowell County. We also see this as a long term recruitment tool for our agency to ensure highly trained and credentialed paramedics continue to serve in EMS."

Paramedic Todd Mullenix will serve as the senior advisor to the program and Paramedic Johnsie Parker and John Bruner will serve as assistant advisors. Mullenix explains that some of the activities planned for the explorers include CPR certification, first aid classes, hiking, and participation in EMS training events.The explorer program is open to all interested youth that are 13 years of age and have completed the 8th grade. An informational meeting will be held on Thursday April 2nd at 7:00pm. The meeting will be held in the commissioners board room located in the County Administration Building on East Court Street. The annual membership fee into the program is 10.00 per student.

For more information contact Director William Kehler or Paramedic Todd Mullenix at the office of McDowell County EMS by calling 652-3982

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Hancock Named 2009 Paramedic of the Year



Marvin Hancock NREMT-P has been named Paramedic of the Year 2009 for McDowell County EMS. The award which is presented each January is a long standing tradition at the service. The recipient of the award is chosen by their peers for outstanding patient care, professionalism and work ethics. Hancock also was chosen by the agency in 2006 as Paramedic of the Year. EMS Director William Kehler remarks "Marvin Hancock is an exceptional paramedic and an outstanding person. So many patients have benefited from his professional care and wonderful bedside manners. His drive to succeed and further enhance his patient care is beyond exceptional." Hancock who came to the service in 2001 is a Nationally Registered Paramedic, NC Level I EMS Instructor, and one of four Field Training Officers for the agency.

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!PRESS RELEASE!

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation out of Wexford, Pennsylvania features
McDowell County EMS on their webpage highlighting efforts the agency has made with induced hypothermia treatment. Click link to view the story.

http://www.sca-aware.org/sca-newsroom/sudden-cardiac-arrest-news/mcdowell-ems-among-first-in-north-carolina-to-offer-therapeu

Please visit WLOS link to see a video of Induced Hypothermia
http://www.wlos.com/newsroom/health_alert/vid_175.shtml

Below is another link of Induced Hypothermia from ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=6571267



Training Photograph only. Pt not real victim.

Starting Monday October 13th McDowell County EMS will implement a new medical procedure called therapeutic hypothermia. This procedure which is approved and recommended by the American Heart Association is aimed at improving brain function in patients that have been successfully resuscitated after cardiac arrest. McDowell County EMS is the first pre-hospital service in Western North Carolina and among only a few services in North Carolina to perform this procedure.

Therapeutic hypothermia is aimed at reducing core body temperature in patients who have been successfully resuscitated from cardiac arrest but remain unconscious. Studies have shown that patients who are resuscitated are prone to a marked increase in body temperature which can cause brain damage. This procedure is aimed at reducing core body temperature to 93 degrees therefore decreasing the chance of brain damage and increasing the chance of survival for the patient. McDowell County Paramedics have undergone intensive training for months on therapeutic hypothermia provided by a number of instructors including Jim Mobley program director for Regional One Air Medical a recognized expert in the field of therapeutic hypothermia. Paramedics will use external cooling measures along with cold IV fluid, and a regimen of IV medications to achieve the desired temperature.

In a recent article published by EMS Magazine in September 2008 it was estimated that of the 24,000 EMS agencies in the US approximately 100 were performing this procedure. McDowell County EMS began researching this procedure in 2007 and has since worked very closely with community and regional partners including McDowell Hospital, Mission Hospitals, MAMA, Regional One Air Medical, Med Center Air, and Wake County EMS to develop a patient care protocol for McDowell County EMS. EMS Director William Kehler states "The implementation of therapeutic hypothermia is another example of McDowell EMS's commitment to remaining on the cutting edge of emergency medicine. We have worked long and hard to develop this program to ensure we are implementing a procedure that has been studied, researched, and shown to increase patient survival rates." The startup cost for this new procedure has been very minimal as most equipment was already carried on EMS ambulances. The agency's quality assurance team will continue to research the procedure and compile statistics on the patient outcomes. Dr. Edward St. Bernard EMS Medical Director states that "continuing to advance the level of care that paramedics provide is a top priority. Implementing this procedure is another step to ensure that citizens and visitors of McDowell County receive the most advanced and comprehensive care available in the pre-hospital setting."

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McDowell County EMS
Press Release
February 2, 2009

McDowell EMS Awarded Fetal Heart Dopplers



The NC Eye Bank presented McDowell County EMS four fetal heart dopplers at a ceremony held January 26th at McDowell Technical Community College. McDowell EMS was honored for the agency's referral of 14 potential cornea donors. McDowell EMS began working with the NC Eye Bank in September of 2008 to assist with the referral process of potential cornea donors. The fetal dopplers can measure a baby's heart rate from 10 weeks gestation and beyond. EMS Director William Kehler states "the addition of fetal dopplers gives the paramedic an additional tool when treating pregnant patients who are sick or injured. For years we have relied on the stethoscopes as a means of confirming fetal heart tones. This proved to be challenging and quite unreliable in an ambulance." The dopplers will be added to McDowell EMS ambulances one paramedics have received proper training with the device.

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McDowell EMS Accomplishments Year 2008

2008 was a great year for McDowell County EMS. Many of the goals set in early 2008 were accomplished through a team effort with paramedics, administrators, and county officials coming together to advance McDowell County EMS forward. Great strides were made in implementing new medical procedures to enhance the care provided by McDowell County paramedics. As we reflect back on the accomplishments made in 2008 we are focused on set goals for 2009 and we look forward to another great year.

• Addition of 1 Pediatric Critical Care Paramedic
• Addition of 1 Critical Care Paramedic
• Approval and implementation of 2 new Paramedic positions
• 7 employees attended NC Emergency Medicine Today (State training conference for paramedics.)
• Created Administrative On-Call Schedule
• Conducted Operation Save-A-Child (Child Safety Seat Campaign)
• Conducted EMS Expo during National EMS Week
• Approval of EMS Sub Station (Nebo Community)
• Multiple building improvements at Station 1
• Improvement to employee living quarters
• Replacement of desktop computers for patient care report entries
• Changed EMS Dispatch procedure to simplify information
• Held 1st annual employee / family picnic during National EMS Week
• Enacted physical fitness program for on duty personnel
• Created Quick Response Vehicle Program
• Conducted simulated boating accident on Lake James for annual MCI drill
• Participated in regional pandemic flu drill
• Certified 2 employees in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
• Community Service workers logged 320 hours of service at Station 1
• Received $8000.00 ASPR grant to purchase disaster medical equipment
• Received grant funding to purchase 15 two way radios and 3 pagers
• 4 paramedics participated in OEMS Regional Paramedic competition
• Multiple enhancements to agency's website
• Certified 3 Child Safety Seat Technicians
• Enacted new emergency vehicle maintenance plan
• Conducted public safety announcements on county cable channel
• Expanded EMT scope of practice for McDowell County EMT's
• Created promotion standards for Captains and Lieutenants
• Created Major position for Operation / Training Officer
• Enacted Induced Hypothermia protocol
• Recognized for rapid treatment of STEMI patients (heart attack victims)
• Approval for construction of county owned diesel pump
• Purchase of 2nd QRV 2000 Chevrolet Suburban
• Six EMT-I's gained EMT-P certification

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"Getting Advanced Care to McDowell County Citizens Faster"
EMS Announces Expanded EMT protocols for McDowell County Fire / Rescue Departments



McDowell County EMS is pleased to announce the expansion of EMT protocols within McDowell County Fire and Rescue Departments. The program which began in early 2008 is aimed at increasing the skills of EMT-Basics within the communities. Expanded protocols have been approved by Dr. Edward St. Bernard, EMS Medical Director and the NC Office of EMS. The protocols allow EMT-Basics to administer drugs such as, nitroglycerin and aspirin to chest pain patients, oral Benadryl and EPI Pens to anaphylaxis patients, and inserting blind insertion airway devices into cardiac arrest patients. EMS Director William Kehler states that "by enhancing the level of care provided by EMT's in local departments we are essentially getting advanced care to the patient much quicker." Major Eugene Edwards who serves as the system's operation / training officer has 4 out of the 12 county volunteer departments online with the program. In 2009 the agency's goal is to have all McDowell County EMT's affiliated with fire and rescue departments functioning under the expanded protocols


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Press Release

Allied Health Jobshadowing 2008

McDowell EMS once again served as a job shadowing site for McDowell High School students enrolled in Heath Occupations Education. This program is a vocational class at McDowell High School for any student interested in a healthcare related career. Students cover many topics such as; medical terminology, ethical issues related to medicine, cultural diversity, as well as anatomy and physiology of each body system. Senior students in health occupations have a chance to explore different health care careers by job shadowing. Over the past five weeks 12 students shadowed McDowell EMS Paramedics. During that time EMS staff conducted hands on medical training with the students who shadowed 5 hours a day for one week. Students were also able to shadow the paramedics on the ambulance and respond to emergency calls. EMS Director William Kehler states "McDowell EMS has a strong commitment to the Allied Health program at McDowell High. Many of the students came to our agency with little knowledge of exactly what emergency medicine was. However most of the students left with a greater understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a paramedic." This is the second year McDowell EMS has participated in Health Occupations Program

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EMS Conducts Emergency Drill on Lake James



McDowell County EMS partnered with 11 different agencies to conduct an emergency drill on Lake James on October 16th. The scenario simulated a boating accident at the mouth of Black Bear Cove on Lake James with multiple patients injured. A total of 27 patients were treated and transported to McDowell Hospital who also participated in the drill. Glenwood Baptist Youth along with McDowell High School Student Council and EMS Students from McDowell Tech participated as patients for the drill. McDowell EMS conducts a annual emergency drill each October. In year 2007 a mass food poisoning incident was simulated in the Glenwood Fire District.

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EMS Participates in Public Health Drill



McDowell County EMS participated in an emergency drill on October 23 which simulated a pandemic flu. The drill which was sponsored by Public Health simulated dispensing antiviral medication to a mass number of individuals. Students from McDowell High School participated in the event as well as multiple agencies locally and from the region. One of the objectives of the drill was to dispense antiviral medications to 1144 people within one hour. Through a well coordinated process this goal was met and exceeded. EMS Director William Kehler states "by participating in these types of drills it allows us to train in areas not commonly seen in the EMS field. It also allows us the opportunity to interact with other agencies to become familiar with each others operation." Participation in this drill comes one week after EMS hosted a mass casualty drill on Lake James simulating a boating accident.

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PRESS RELEASE

McDowell County Emergency Medical Service



Major John D. Angley Operations Officer for McDowell County EMS will be retiring on September 30th after 31 years of dedicated service to the agency and the citizens of McDowell County. Major Angley was among the first employees hired at McDowell EMS which began operation in July 1977. During his career he has held multiple positions including Training Officer, Operations Officer, Shift Captain, as well as Interim Director. A retirement reception for Major Angley will be held on October 19th at the McDowell County Senior Center. Program will begin at 3pm. EMS Director William Kehler states "Major Angley has given the citizens of McDowell County 31 years of dedicated service and excellent patient care. John has been instrumental in developing a first class EMS system and building strong relationships with other emergency agencies." The staff of McDowell EMS wishes John and his family the best as he begins a new chapter in his life.

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McDowell County Emergency Medical Service

McDowell County EMS completed Operation Save-A-Child a three week campaign aimed at raising awareness on child safety seats. The campaign was originally scheduled for three weeks however week number two was cancelled due to rain from Tropical Storm Fay. During the operation 88 child safety seats were inspected and 65 or 73% were found to be improperly installed. McDowell EMS properly installed 42 new car seats in vehicles found to have seats that were damaged, recalled, or had no safety seats at all. Safety seat technicians were able to correct several dangerous situations as some vehicles had multiple children riding without a safety seat and sharing the same seat belt. EMS Director William Kehler states "Operation Save-A-Child was a huge success. While we did not meet our goal due to weather conditions on week 2, the operation significantly increased the safety of many children in McDowell County. We would like to thank all the businesses and government facilities who allowed our agency to utilize their space and we look forward to conducting this event in the future." McDowell County Paramedics will continue to perform car seat inspections free of charge to the public at the Marion EMS Station during normal office hours. Information on future events will be announced and will also be posted on the agency's website at www.mcdowellems.com

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Operation Save-A-Child



Starting Monday August 18, McDowell County EMS will launch operation Save-A-Child, a 3 week campaign aimed at reducing the number of improperly installed child safety seats in vehicles. Paramedics from McDowell EMS who are also NC State Certified Child Safety Seat Technicians, will conduct 4 different checking stations over the 3 week period. Inspectors will perform the inspection at no charge to the public. During this time they will ensure that the safety seat does not have any current recalls as well as inspect the seat for any visible defects. McDowell County EMS Director William Kehler states "Our agency feels that prevention and education is very important. Making sure that our infants and children are riding in car seats that are properly secure is a high priority for McDowell County EMS Paramedics." The inspection stations will be held at the following locations during the three week period. For more information please contact McDowell EMS at 652-3982 or info@mcdowellems.com

August 20th Old Fort Town Hall 5pm-8pm
August 23rd Wal-Mart 8am-12-pm
August 26th JB's Galaxy US 70 E 4pm-6pm
Sept. 3rd Head Start (Sugar Hill Rd) 2pm-6pm

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McDowell EMS receives new 4x4 ambulance



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Press Release
Mcdowell EMS Purchases New Ventilators



Picture above: Lt. David Cable, Critical Care Paramedic, performs the daily check on the IVENT.

McDowell County EMS announces the purchase of 6 Critical Care Ventilators to be carried on all McDowell County EMS units. The McDowell County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of the state of the art ventilators during the 2007-2008 budget process. The ventilators which were produced by IVENT Corporation were designed to meet all the needs of an EMS agency however deliver the same standard of care you would expect to find in an Intensive Care Unit. The IVENT ventilator also has the capability of delivering CPAP and BIPAP which are non invasive procedures that assist patients suffering from congestive heart failure or respiratory failure. EMS Director William Kehler states that "we are very fortunate to be able to deliver this type of care to our patients. McDowell EMS is committed to remaining on the cutting edge of emergency medicine. The purchase of these ventilators will allow us to continue to safely administer the most advanced care possible for our patients in the pre-hospital setting." EMS paramedics have undergone months of intense training with the IVENT ventilators to ensure proper training with the units. EMS Medical Director Dr. Edward St. Bernard stated that "having the capability to administer CPAP or BIPAP to patients experiencing congestive heart failure or respiratory failure will increase the level of comfort and care for the patient." Paramedics began using the IVENTS in early January and have already seen tremendous results with critical respiratory patients.